On 14 November, members of the VHME and VNSI approved the merger between IRO and NMT. It was the last hurdle for the planned merger that will now take effect from 1 January 2025.
IRO is the association of Dutch suppliers in the offshore energy industry, and Netherlands Maritime Technology (NMT) is the trade organisation for the Dutch maritime manufacturing industry. IRO (which once stood for Industrial Council for Oceanology/Industriële Raad voor de Oceanologie) and NMT are both successful and financially sound industry associations. There has been cooperation in the field of export promotion for many years and many topics overlap in terms of advocacy as well.
The vote took place during the General Assembly of both associations. A fortnight ago, the members of IRO already voted unanimously in favour of the merger. With the positive vote last week, the merger was officially approved.
Also read: IRO and NMT explore merger
Third association under NMT
This means the two organisations will continue as NMT-IRO from 1 January 2025. IRO will become the third association under NMT, alongside VHME (Vereniging Holland Marine Equipment) and VNSI (Vereniging Nederlandse Scheepsbouw Industrie).
Director Jeroen de Graaf: ‘This merger strengthens our combined strength. By combining the offshore with the maritime manufacturing industry, the entire sector is now represented under one roof. I look forward to all the great things we will achieve as NMT-IRO.’
The plans to merge were announced in January. The past year was all about exploring and comparing: similarities, differences, opportunities and challenges were put side by side. The outcome of this exploration was positive. After this, concrete plans were made to make the merger a success.
Also read: NMT: Dutch companies should build new Rijksrederij fleet
